Independence Day celebrations in The Bahamas turned to mourning on Friday after a Flamingo Air aircraft crashed in North Andros, leaving multiple fatalities.

Local reports indicate that seven people were on board the aircraft, which was registered C6-FLX, when it went down in the pine forest near North Andros Airport.  

Prime Minister Philip Davis confirmed that one person survived the crash but said authorities were still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a statement posted on X, Davis said he had been briefed by the Commissioner of Police and that investigations were ongoing.

“At this stage, the facts are still being established, and the relevant authorities are working to determine exactly what occurred,” he said.

“We understand that there were casualties on board, and that one person survived.”

The Prime Minister said he and his wife, Ann, were praying for the families affected by the tragedy and for the survivor’s recovery.

“This is a painful moment. The families affected deserve compassion, privacy, and support as the investigation proceeds,” Davis said, adding that the government would continue to provide updates as confirmed information becomes available.

Flamingo Air also confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in a fatal crash in the North Andros area on Friday.

“We extend heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” the airline said in a statement.

“At this time, the details are being gathered, and we are committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities.”

The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) will lead the investigation into the crash.

The ministry also announced that the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB) had temporarily suspended Flamingo Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

According to the ministry, the suspension was imposed as a precautionary safety measure following two safety incidents involving the airline on Friday. Officials stressed that the action should not be viewed as an adverse compliance measure against Flamingo Air.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport said investigators had already begun examining the circumstances surrounding the crash in accordance with international civil aviation standards.

The ministry expressed condolences to the families affected and said it would not comment further while the investigation remains active.

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard also expressed sympathy, saying the tragedy had transformed what should have been a day of national celebration into one of sorrow.

“On a day when Bahamians should be celebrating together, our hearts are heavy over the devastating news of a plane crash in San Andros around noon today,” Pintard said.

He extended condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones, offered prayers for the survivor and emergency responders, and called on Bahamians to support those affected during what he described as another painful chapter for the country.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved or confirmed the cause of the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.